{"id":2109,"date":"2026-08-24T23:24:47","date_gmt":"2026-08-24T23:24:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2109"},"modified":"2026-08-24T23:24:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T23:24:47","slug":"chelsea-predicted-xi-vs-fulham-xabi-alonso-hands-out-three-debuts-to-new-signings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=2109","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea predicted XI vs Fulham: Xabi Alonso hands out three debuts to new signings"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"\"\/ Add as preferred source on Google<\/span> <\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the starting XI Xabi Alonso will name to take on Fulham in their first Premier League game of the season.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Blues are itching to get underway after a successful pre-season campaign, which really improved when they moved to the back-three formation.<\/p>\n

\n

The formation looks to get the best out of a number of their players, with all eyes on Alonso<\/a> to see if he can get Cole Palmer<\/a> firing again.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/header>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Where will Chelsea finish in the Premier League in 2026\/27?<\/h3>\n

Let’s hear how you think Xabi Alonso will get on this season\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

Chelsea Predicted XI vs Fulham<\/h2>\n

One player who won\u2019t be available is Wesley Fofana<\/a>. He remains suspended following his red card at the end of last season against Sunderland.<\/p>\n

The Chelsea Chronicle<\/strong> have given a full predicted XI for who Alonso will trust straight away to get the job done domestically.<\/p>\n

Despite talk of Alonso wanting a new goalkeeper<\/a>, Robert Sanchez<\/a> will maintain his place between the sticks at Craven Cottage.<\/p>\n

Club captain Reece James<\/a> will move into the back three to replace Fofana. His position is not yet confirmed for this season.<\/p>\n

In the middle, there will be a Chelsea Premier League debut for Maxence Lacroix<\/a>. He has plenty of experience featuring in this system at Crystal Palace.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Chelsea<\/div>
Photo by James Gill \u2013 Danehouse\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alongside him, Levi Colwill<\/a> makes up the back three, with him desperate to move on from a season where he hardly featured due to injury.<\/p>\n

Pedro Neto<\/a> will continue in the right wing-back position, despite heavy reports of him making a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.<\/p>\n

Chelsea\u2019s South American midfield will be reunited again, with Moises Caicedo<\/a> still one of the first names on the teamsheet under the new manager.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Chelsea<\/div>
Photo by Ryan Pierse\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Joining him will be Enzo Fernandez<\/a>. There are still no guarantees he stays this summer, but Alonso has already revealed he is relying on him.<\/p>\n

Marco Palestra<\/a> will start on the left after a very impressive pre-season campaign, featuring in either wing-back position.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/header>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Which Chelsea signing will have the best 26\/27 season, and why?<\/h3>\n

Will anyone top Joao Pedro’s impact last season?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"Chelsea<\/div>
Photo by Darren Walsh\/Chelsea FC via Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n

The first of the attacking midfielders will be Cole Palmer<\/a>. Chelsea fans are absolutely desperate to see the best out of him after a tough 18 months.<\/p>\n

Alongside him, the third new signing of the XI, Morgan Rogers<\/a> will start. There is an expectation the duo will form a strong relationship on the pitch due to their friendship off it.<\/p>\n

Joao Pedro<\/a> leads the line. Seven goals in televised pre-season friendlies suggests he is ready for another big season at Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n

Chelsea Predicted XI vs Fulham (3-4-2-1): Sanchez; James, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Fernandez, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
<\/svg><\/p>\n
Join Our Newsletter<\/span><\/p>\n

Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n